Hi Sophie, Singapore seems like a fascinating place—we have French family who live there, also. When I was preparing this piece, I found a TED talk by a biologist who lives and works in Singapore and is enamored of the nature that exists in the city. I’d love to visit one day. I hope I wasn’t unfair to your hometown—Limoges was a good place for me to enter into France, and I’m grateful for everything I learned there. I still have a lot of affection for the area, and have been back to visit. Thanks for reading!
Hello, no worries. I wanted to share some pictures of the nature in Singapore with you. I love Limoges because it is deeply connected to my heart. And I love Paris ! That’s where I wanted to let you know I do get what you’re feeling and I’m happy to have the chance to share my feelings with you
Thank you for this! As I contemplate my move to France, I am drawn to the countryside, but I don’t want to give up the freedom to roam through nature that I have now in the UK. I’m American and one of the reasons I tired of life in the US is the lack of access to walking paths and nature. I’ve wondered how accessible the countryside is to walkers in France.
I’m sure it varies enormously. I’d look for a place that’s near national parks or forests, if you’d like a lot of space to roam. You may want to consider the mountains as well. We are often in the Alps, thanks to a family apartment, and there I can wander far and wide. There is a nearby national park, which helps, but the land that is used for ski slopes and pasture is also open and hikable year round as there aren’t any fences (just temporary electric cords which usually aren’t live). In my limited experience, I have found cities to have more breathing room than hybrid residential/ag areas, given the public vs private issue. Good luck making your decisions, and I hope wherever you end up, you’ll have the access to nature you desire.
Thank you! Yes, I was thinking of looking for national parks and forests nearby. It’s so important to be able to roam out in nature, preferably without having to drive forever to get there.
What a lovely essay and homage to your town. I am a bit jealous in a good way 🙂 To your question, we have a walking trail along the hills and some days we see deer, wild and baby turkeys, hawks, a lone crane, and coyotes at different points on the 4-mile loop. Those are my favorite days✨❤️
"Biologists are beginning to wonder if a city can become a nature refuge.3
For me, one already is."
Loved that ending.
And how unexpected that the countryside would be a source of contraction, versus the city—at least in regards to nature. Getting to know a place reveals what the surface does not. :)
I’m french and expat living in Singapore. Singapore is called the garden city. And I was born in Limoges so your article resonated a little within me.
Hi Sophie, Singapore seems like a fascinating place—we have French family who live there, also. When I was preparing this piece, I found a TED talk by a biologist who lives and works in Singapore and is enamored of the nature that exists in the city. I’d love to visit one day. I hope I wasn’t unfair to your hometown—Limoges was a good place for me to enter into France, and I’m grateful for everything I learned there. I still have a lot of affection for the area, and have been back to visit. Thanks for reading!
Hello, no worries. I wanted to share some pictures of the nature in Singapore with you. I love Limoges because it is deeply connected to my heart. And I love Paris ! That’s where I wanted to let you know I do get what you’re feeling and I’m happy to have the chance to share my feelings with you
Thank you for this! As I contemplate my move to France, I am drawn to the countryside, but I don’t want to give up the freedom to roam through nature that I have now in the UK. I’m American and one of the reasons I tired of life in the US is the lack of access to walking paths and nature. I’ve wondered how accessible the countryside is to walkers in France.
I’m sure it varies enormously. I’d look for a place that’s near national parks or forests, if you’d like a lot of space to roam. You may want to consider the mountains as well. We are often in the Alps, thanks to a family apartment, and there I can wander far and wide. There is a nearby national park, which helps, but the land that is used for ski slopes and pasture is also open and hikable year round as there aren’t any fences (just temporary electric cords which usually aren’t live). In my limited experience, I have found cities to have more breathing room than hybrid residential/ag areas, given the public vs private issue. Good luck making your decisions, and I hope wherever you end up, you’ll have the access to nature you desire.
Thank you! Yes, I was thinking of looking for national parks and forests nearby. It’s so important to be able to roam out in nature, preferably without having to drive forever to get there.
Good luck, I’m sure you’ll find the right place. I have it on good authority that Aveyron is a good spot for getting out on hikes
Thanks! Good to know.
What a lovely essay and homage to your town. I am a bit jealous in a good way 🙂 To your question, we have a walking trail along the hills and some days we see deer, wild and baby turkeys, hawks, a lone crane, and coyotes at different points on the 4-mile loop. Those are my favorite days✨❤️
I enjoyed this immensely! Thank you for unlocking the wildness of the city for us. :)
Thank you, Valerie! This place is full of surprises. And frogs
Those mushroom pics are swoon worthy!
Coming from a proximal expert, I take that as a high compliment! You should see the toadstools in the Alps…
"Biologists are beginning to wonder if a city can become a nature refuge.3
For me, one already is."
Loved that ending.
And how unexpected that the countryside would be a source of contraction, versus the city—at least in regards to nature. Getting to know a place reveals what the surface does not. :)